Page 87 of Sunrise

“Years ago.”

Quick math has me reeling. She hasn’t been a Domme for that many years, so logically I’m inclined to believe this happened when she first joined the Monarch Club. She’d been so new to the lifestyle and rules, which someone could easily take advantage of. Especially if it’s not a club member who would be terrified to act inappropriately and get blacklisted.

Sophie starts crying like a child in trouble. It breaks my heart.

“Shh.” I walk over and kiss her forehead,holding her for a minute. “You’re okay.”

Knox and I glance at each other for a heartbeat. Neither one of us was prepared for this. I feel terrible knowing she’s been in danger while in our circle and we didn’t know a damned thing about it. And as bad as I want to know the name of the sub who’s got her like this, I’m going to hold off on asking. She’s so fragile right now that I’m scared to push anymore and risk shattering her.

This isn’t my Sophie at all.

This is a terrified little mouse.

Where is our lioness?

Knox runs his hand through his hair, looking ready to burn the world down. “How can we help you, Soph? What do you need from us?”

She swipes her tears away and seems to collect herself. “Just… wait outside and I’ll be out soon, okay?”

???

Sitting on the front steps, we wait like well-trained dogs for Sophie to come out and I shoot a message in our group text letting Ryker and Dmitri in on what’s up. I don’t mention much other than Sophie’s hit a wall and needs us at the club.

She’s our first priority. Our second, once she’s better, will be to uncover this mystery sub and tear him into pieces. He won’t be blacklisted, he’ll be annihilated. Knox and I both agree on that.

He’s cool as a cucumber right now.

I’m a live wire with one end in a puddle.

My chest tightens. It’s a struggle to drag in full breaths.

Shit, I’m not sure I can be a sub for her today. My instincts scream to be her Dom. To put her in a subspace where she can check out and enjoy copious amounts of pleasure. But I also understand that her being the dominant over us will give her that, too. It’s just different.

“You’re screaming in there again,” Knox says in a deep voice. “Care to share?”

Should I? Will he think I’m selfish?

“I’m just feeling out of control, and I don’t like it.”

“It’s different when there’s three of us.” He tips his head towards the sun and closes his eyes. “It’s not so black and white. We’ve got gray now, too.”

“What does that even mean?”

He squints, looking over at me. “It means you want to Dom, and you can’t because she wants the reins. You’re a switch, bro. Start switching.”

“I’m not a switch.”

“Yeah, you are. You’re just like me, only you prefer to top because it feels safer for you that way.” He tilts his head back again, like he’s getting a suntan. “You can still dominate me if you want. I trust you.”

I know he does but… am I really ready for what we’ve signed up for?

“We can all give each other what we need,” Knox says, unbothered. “Just let your guard down and roll with it.”

It’s not that simple. And with Sophie’s current headspace, I’m worried we’re stepping into dangerous territory. Someone here needs to be levelheaded and in control. It’s not her and it’s not me.

“You have to be the one,” I say, staring at the house across the street. There’s a silver car parked inthe driveway and the grass looks like it needs to be mowed. Next to it is a rancher with a sprinkler running. On the other side of it is a white house with a tree in the front yard that has a toddler swing hanging from it. This neighborhood is adorable and peaceful. I’m sad Sophie doesn’t feel safe here.

“Be the one to what?” he asks.

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